Description
Festive Christmas chocolate cake brings holiday cheer with its rich, moist layers of cocoa-infused delight. Delicate ganache and seasonal sprinkles crown this indulgent dessert, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
Leavening and Seasoning Agents:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Liquid:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water or hot coffee
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by coating three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, then set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base for the chocolate cake mixture.
- Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, whisking thoroughly until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
- Gently introduce boiling water or coffee to the batter, stirring until fully integrated – the mixture will appear thin and liquid.
- Distribute the chocolate batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
- Transfer pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on wire cooling racks, preventing moisture accumulation.
- Create luxurious ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pouring over finely chopped chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate and cream to meld, then incorporate butter to enhance the ganache’s glossy appearance and rich flavor.
- Carefully position the first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of ganache between each subsequent layer.
- Leave the cake’s sides exposed to showcase the beautiful layered interior.
- Embellish the cake’s surface with festive cranberries, delicate rosemary sprigs, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a wintry, elegant presentation.
Notes
- Swap milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract to the ganache for a festive holiday flavor boost that’ll wow your guests.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
- Reduce sugar by using dark cocoa powder and adding a touch of maple syrup for a more complex, less sweet chocolate experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg